Some rumors are already emerging about the iPhone 15. We learn in particular that the device would rely on a new modem chip to improve its 5G connectivity. This chip would however be manufactured by Qualcomm, once again.
Since its acquisition of Intel’s modem division in 2019, Apple has been working on the design of a 5G modem chip of its own, which would be installed in its cellular iPhones and iPads, among others. However, the day of this paradigm shift is far from coming. According to the information reported by TechRadarthe transition to these modems manufactured in-house by the Cupertino giant would not occur before at least 2025.
In the meantime, Apple will continue to equip its devices with modems from its subcontractor and rival Qualcomm, with which it has in the past been at trial. We thus learn that the iPhone 15 would be armed next year with a Snapdragon X70 chip, instead of the Snapdragon X65 modem currently housed on the circuits of the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro.
More efficient 5G next year… but still not signed by Apple
This information comes to us from Jeff Pu, analyst for Haitong International Securities quoted by MacRumors. The interested party believes that the iPhone 15 would therefore be equipped with a Snapdragon X70 modem chip which would allow it to boost its 5G connectivity in 2023. Announced last May, the Snapdragon X70 is a concentrate of technology. This new modem notably offers lower latency while consuming less energy. It also benefits from numerous optimizations and a reinforced AI compared to its predecessor to allow better speeds and more reliable reception.
Still according to Jeff Pu, Apple would be forced to use modem chips designed by Qualcomm until 2024 with the iPhone 16. The device would then potentially rely on a Snapdragon X75. According to the analyst, Apple will begin to adopt its own modems on a large scale during 2025. We will then be at the iPhone 17.
Some rumors had in recent months suggested that Apple’s modem chips would be ready by 2023… but given Apple’s slower-than-expected progress in this area, this track now seems difficult to take seriously.
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